You might not know it, but a lot of Christmas movies are filmed in Canada. Even if they claim to be set somewhere in the United States. I love recognizing places I know in the movies I watch. In this new article, I bring the magic of Christmas to you by sharing 8 Christmas movies filmed in Ontario to add to your list. As an added bonus, if like me you live in Ontario, you can also add these cities to your visit list.
The Christmas Chronicles – Toronto
It’s impossible not to start with this Christmas movie. If you read the summary, the story takes place partly in Chicago. Watching this film in 2019, I wasn’t yet aware of the place Christmas movie productions have in Ontario. Imagine my surprise when, sitting comfortably on my sofa, I suddenly recognized the streets around my home! I don’t want to spoil anything, but if you live in Toronto, keep an eye out for Bloor around Bay and Yonge. But also the Cathedral Church of St James.
The story:
A brother and sister celebrate their first Christmas since planning to film Santa Claus as he passes through on Christmas Eve. They want to prove to their mom that he exists. The mission takes a turn when they find themselves embarking with Santa on his busiest night of the year.
Where to watch The Christmas Chronicles: Netflix
The Holiday Calendar – Niagara-On-The-Lake
If you’ve read my article on what to do around Niagara Falls, you’ll know that I always recommend a visit to Niagara-On-The-Lake. A little village that looks like it’s straight out of a movie. Well, it’s no coincidence that you get that feeling. Niagara-On-The-Lake has been used several times as a location for Christmas movies. Including The Holiday Calendar, released in 2018.
The story:
Abby is a photographer struggling to find a professional opportunity she’s passionate about. She receives an old forward calendar from her grandfather. She doesn’t pay too much attention to it, thinking it’s of little importance. However, the advent calendar will change the course of events on December 1. Each day brings up something that’s connected to her reality.
Where to watch The Holiday Calendar: Netflix.
Let it snow – Toronto and Millbrook
Another movie I watched without knowing it was filmed in Toronto. But a change from the usual Christmas movies. A little more complex, with parallel and more inclusive stories.
The story:
A snowstorm hits a small town and turns the lives of its inhabitants upside down. Several parallel stories unfold before our eyes. Stories of teenage love and friendship are all affected by the storm. As the story unfolds, we come to understand the connections between them.
Where to watch Let it snow: Netflix
Christmas Inheritance – North Bay
A feel-good Christmas story that transports you to a small town in northern Ontario: North Bay. I haven’t had a chance to go there yet, so I didn’t recognize anything. But I like the idea that it’s filmed in Ontario. On further research, I saw that there would also be parts filmed in Niagara-On-The-Lake!
The story:
A young New Yorker, heiress to a wealthy family, finds herself in a bad way because of her excesses. More interested in partying than in the business her father wants to leave her. She accepts her father’s challenge and leaves for her small home village, hiding her real identity and with only $100 in her pocket.
Where to watch Christmas Inheritance: Netflix
The Best Man Holiday – Toronto
This film is a little older, from 2013. Yes, it seems like 2013 to me too, but it’s not. It was filmed between Toronto and New York. In the first few minutes you’ll recognize the Good Life in the background, on King and Temperance. The same one we see in The Christmas Chronicles. I should also warn you that this film is much sadder than the others!
The story:
This film is part of a 3-part series: The Best Man, The Best Man Holiday and The Best Man Final Chapters. 4 old friends get together for the holiday season. Despite the passage of time, the rivalries are still present and are rekindled more easily than imagined. But they all stick together and support each other when one of them faces one of life’s worst trials.
Where to watch The Best Man Holiday: Amazon Prime
The Christmas Setup – Toronto, Almonte & Ottawa
This film will take you back in time … if you’re a child of the 90s. The main character’s mom is played by the very famous Nounou d’Enfer: Fran Drescher! On top of that, it’s one of the only films I’ve found whose main characters are part of the LGBTQ+ community. We’d love to see more diversity in Christmas films!
The story:
Hugo lives in New York with his best friend. For the holiday season, he invites her to his hometown to spend Christmas with his mom. As soon as he arrives, he sees Patrick again, the popular guy from high school. They immediately have a special connection. Unfortunately, Hugo has to make a choice: follow his heart and build something with Patrick, or accept his promotion, which will send him to London.
Where to watch The Christmas Setup: Crave
The Knight before Christmas – Orillia & Bracebridge
I really like this film. The story is a change from the Christmas movies we’re used to seeing. You’ll also see a lot of the little village of Bracebridge throughout the film. Add it to your list of places to visit in Ontario, it looks like a lovely little village. In fact, it’s famous for its Christmas-themed amusement park. Part of the film was shot in Santa’s village in the park.
The story:
After a difficult breakup, Brooke is desperate to meet her Prince Charming. At her village’s Christmas party, she meets Cole. She accidentally knocks him down and thinks he’s lost his memory. He introduces himself as a 14th-century knight. What she doesn’t immediately realize is that he really is a knight who has travelled through time.
Where to watch The Knight before Christmas: Netflix.
And here’s a list of 8 Christmas movies filmed in Ontario. There are plenty more I could have added to the list. But many aren’t available on streaming platforms.
If you liked this article, you might like the list of must-see series shot in Toronto. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Youtube!
Feel free to comment with your favorite Christmas movies and if you’d like the same but for the rest of Canada.
